Nutrients of Concern:

What Food Manufacturers Need to Know

What Is a Nutrient of Concern?

Nutrients of Concern are nutrients that are typically either over-consumed or under-consumed, based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which provides either the minimum level or the maximum level of consumption required to prevent detrimental effects on health. The diet of many Americans lacks in fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and seafood, which can lead to under-consumption of certain key nutrients.

The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans added five important nutrients to the list of nutrients of concern, due to under-consumption.

These include calcium, potassium, iron, dietary fiber, and vitamin D.

All are considered "shortfall nutrients" because either the average American doesn't get enough to stave off negative effects, or a particular segment of the population (such as women or children) tend to be deficient.